Cambodia Protests Thai Naval Incursion

PHNOM PENH — Cambodia has lodged a formal protest against Thailand after accusing its navy of crossing into Cambodian waters and detaining three fishermen. The government described the incident as “an unauthorised incursion” and demanded the immediate release of the men and their seized boat.

The confrontation took place on Sunday, 22 February. Thai media reported that the First Naval Area Command intercepted a Cambodian vessel at latitude 11°31.51’ N and longitude 102°53.40’ E, claiming the location was within Thai waters. Officials said the crew lacked identification documents and legal entry papers.

Cambodia disputes that account. In a statement issued the same day, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs insisted the boat was operating 7.2 nautical miles from Koh Yor in Koh Kong province — well inside Cambodian territory. “These actions constitute a clear violation of Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial waters, as well as international law,” the ministry declared.

Phnom Penh has called on Bangkok to release the fishermen and return their vessel without delay. It also urged Thailand to halt unauthorised patrols and law enforcement operations in Cambodian waters, warning against further incidents that could inflame tensions along the maritime border.

The dispute highlights the fragile nature of relations between the two neighbours, where overlapping claims and occasional clashes have long complicated efforts to manage shared waters. For Cambodia, the latest episode is not only about the fate of three detained men but also about defending its sovereignty against what it sees as repeated encroachments.

-2026-02-24